gdeac.comHome NavigationNavigation
Home >  News >  Donkey Kong Debuts Dramatic Redesign in Leaks from New Games

Donkey Kong Debuts Dramatic Redesign in Leaks from New Games

Author : Aaron Update:Feb 25,2025

Nintendo's significant overhaul of Donkey Kong's design, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, is now confirmed across a range of merchandise.

Donkey Kong's iconic look, unchanged for decades and featured in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is undergoing a transformation. Many believe the new design resembles the character's appearance in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While the redesigned Donkey Kong was only briefly seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo Life highlighted a Reddit post by cookiemaster221 showcasing new merchandise featuring the updated character. The post, titled "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes," sparked considerable discussion.

The merchandise reveals a friendlier Donkey Kong, notably with a softened brow. Commenters on Reddit offered varied opinions. Some compared the change to Kirby's design philosophy, suggesting a shift from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. Others expressed nostalgia for the original, more serious expression, while some welcomed the new, arguably "goofy" look.

The merchandise provides a clearer view of the redesign than the fleeting appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive look at the new Donkey Kong in action is anticipated during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2 in April.

The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself offered limited details about the console's features, primarily showcasing its aesthetic. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and the accuracy of a theory regarding controller-as-mouse functionality.

Latest Articles
  • Elden Ring Nightreign: Save 12% on Steam If You Preorder Today

    ​ Rejoice, Tarnished! Elden Ring: Nightreign descends upon PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam) on May 30, 2025. This weekend's network test offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the game firsthand and potentially snag a preorder discount.PC players can s

    Author : Zoey View All

  • Every Disney Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

    ​ Disney, the entertainment giant, has a long and rich history in video games, spanning movie adaptations, original titles like *Kingdom Hearts*, and even theme park-inspired experiences. For Nintendo Switch owners, there's a diverse selection of Disney games offering solo or multiplayer fun. Whether

    Author : Simon View All

  • Switch 2 Officially Announced

    ​ Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is officially on its way! This article dives into the details revealed in Nintendo's initial teaser trailer.Nintendo Switch 2: Games, Backwards Compatibility, Design & More!Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: April 2, 2025After months of speculation and leaks, Nintendo

    Author : Blake View All

Topics
Top Arcade Classics and New Hits
Top Arcade Classics and New HitsTOP

Dive into the world of arcade gaming with our curated collection of classic and new hits! Experience the thrill of retro gameplay with titles like Clone Cars and Brick Breaker - Balls vs Block, or discover innovative new experiences with Fancade, Polysphere, and Riot Squid. Whether you're a fan of puzzle games (Screw Pin Puzzle 3D), action-packed adventures (Rope-Man Run, SwordSlash), or competitive multiplayer (1-2-3-4 Player Ping Pong), this collection has something for everyone. Explore the best in arcade gaming with Tolf and many more exciting apps. Download Clone Cars, Fancade, 1-2-3-4 Player Ping Pong, Brick Breaker - Balls vs Block, Polysphere, Riot Squid, Tolf, Rope-Man Run, SwordSlash, and Screw Pin Puzzle 3D today!